Digital camera

ABSTRACT

The digital camera comprises: an image-taking device for converting light from a subject to a video signal and outputting the video signal; an image processor which has a gain adjuster for performing gain adjustment individually for respective color information of R, G, B of the video signal outputted from the image-taking device, and an image data converter for converting the adjusted video signal outputted from the gain adjuster into image data; a displaying device for displaying the image data; a setting device; and a controller for controlling the gain adjuster to perform RGB color discrimination of the video signal and gain adjustment individually on the respective color information by a command from the setting device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a digital camera that comprises a solidimage sensor element (referred to as an image sensor elementhereinafter) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and, more particularly, to atechnique for reproducing colors that can be recognized by thecolor-vision handicapped.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of cellular engineering, it is known to reproduce thecolors recognized by the color-vision handicapped through performing,using a computer, arithmetic operation of images taken by a digitalcamera.

However, with a conventional digital camera that takes pictures in fullcolors, the color-vision nonhandicapped cannot understand in what toneof colors the color-vision handicapped recognize the colors they cannotdiscriminate. Furthermore, if videos filmed by a digital camera arearithmetically operated by a computer, they cannot be checkedimmediately and there requires an extra work for conversion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention therefore is to achieve adigital camera capable of grasping the discriminating state of thecolor-vision handicapped, and to enable the color-vision handicapped torecognize neighboring colors that are not identifiable by thecolor-vision handicapped as being different colors.

In order to overcome the foregoing problems, the digital cameral of thepresent invention comprises: an image-taking device for converting lightfrom a subject to a video signal and outputting the video signal; a gainadjuster which performs gain adjustment individually for respectivecolor information of R, G, B of the video signal outputted from theimage-taking device, and outputs an adjusted video signal; an image dataconverter for converting the adjusted video signal outputted from thegain adjuster into image data; a displaying device for displaying theimage data; a setting device in which gain adjusting amounts for therespective color information are set; and a controller for controllingthe gain adjuster such that gain adjustment is performed individually onthe respective color information according to the gain adjusting amountsset in the setting device.

With this, it is possible for the gain adjuster to perform gainadjustment individually on the respective color information of R, G, B.Thus, the color-vision nonhandicapped can understand how it looks to thecolor-vision handicapped of various degrees.

In the above-described structure, for the gain adjuster, there are somepreferable forms as described in the followings.

That is, there may be a case where it is constituted such that the videosignal obtained by the image-taking device is a color signal of Cy(cyan), Mg (magenta), Ye (yellow), G, and, after converting the colorsignal of Cy, Mg, Ye, G into a color signal of R, G, B by acomplementary-color/primary-color converter, gain adjustment for eachcolor is performed.

With this, in the case of the image sensor element comprising a colorfilter of complementary colors Cy, Mg, Ye, G, the same gain adjustmentas that of the primary colors R, G, B can be performed by performinggain adjustment after converting them to R, G, B by thecomplementary-color/primary-color converter. In other words, the gainadjustment values can be used in common even if the color filter of theimage sensor element is changed.

In the above-described structure, the followings are also preferable.That is, the digital camera further comprises a storage device forstoring the gain adjusting values of the respective color informationaccording to degrees of color-vision impairment, wherein: the settingdevice has the degrees of the color-vision impairment set thereininstead of the gain adjusting amounts; and the controller reads out,from the storage device, the gain adjusting value corresponding to thedegree of the color-vision impairment set in the setting device, andtransmits the read out gain adjusting value to the gain adjuster.

In this form, the gain adjusting values for each color according to thedegrees of the color-vision impairment are stored in the storage device.Examples of such values may be: a first color-vision gain adjustingvalue for performing gain adjustment to provide the color information ofthe first color-vision impairment with which the red cone of an eyeballdoes not function; a second color-vision gain adjusting value forperforming gain adjustment to provide the color information of thesecond color-vision impairment with which the green cone of the eyeballdoes not function; and a third color-vision gain adjusting value forperforming gain adjustment to provide the color information of the thirdcolor-vision impairment with which the blue cone of the eyeball does notfunction. The controller searches the storage device according to thedegree of the color-vision impairment from the setting device forreading out the corresponding gain adjusting value, and transmits theread out gain adjusting value to the gain adjuster. The gain adjusterperforms the gain adjustment in accordance with the gain adjusting valuefrom the controller. Thereby, it is possible for the color-visionnonhandicapped to understand how it looks to the color-visionhandicapped of each degree.

In the above-described structure, the followings are also preferable.That is, the digital camera further comprises: a color discriminator fordiscriminating a boundary between two color regions which are adjacentto each other in the image digital data on a plane; and a superimposingdevice that generates superimposing data, which is image data where atleast one of luminance, hue, or saturation is changed in the boundarydiscriminated by the discriminator, and superimposes the superimposingdata on the image data, wherein the controller controls the colordiscriminator and the superimposing device.

With this, the boundary between the color regions can be easilyrecognized by the difference of luminance even through the colors cannotbe discriminated. It is effective to superimpose bright superimposingdata when the image data is dark, and to superimpose dark superimposingdata when the image data is bright. Further, when the image data isrelatively bright, a specific recognizable color is sued for expressingthe boundary between the color regions so that the part expressed by thecolor can be easily recognized as the boundary between the colorregions.

Furthermore, in the above-described structure, the following form ispreferable. That is, the image data converter outputs both of image dataobtained by converting the video signal with no gain adjustment, andimage data obtained by converting the adjusted video signal with gainadjustment; the color discriminator further discriminates a differencebetween color information of the two color regions of the image datathat is obtained by converting the video signal and color information ofthe two color regions of the image data that is obtained by convertingthe adjusted video signal; and the superimposing device generates thesuperimposing data exclusively for the boundary between the two colorregions that satisfy following conditions of A), B) from a result ofdiscrimination by the color discriminator, and superimposes thesuperimposing data on the image data that is obtained by converting theadjusted video signal.

-   -   A) In the image data obtained by converting the video signal,        color information differs between the two color regions.    -   B) In the image data obtained by converting the adjusted video        signal, hues are same for the two color regions.

With this, it is possible to superimpose the superimposing data formaking the boundary between the color regions easily recognizable, onlywhen the color information of the gain adjusted color regions turns thesame color as that of the color information of the image data adjacentthereto so that the boundary between the color regions cannot bediscriminated.

In the above-described structure, the followings are preferable. Thatis, the image processor outputs both of image data obtained byconverting the video signal with no gain adjustment, and image dataobtained by converting the adjusted video signal with gain adjustment;the color discriminator further discriminates a difference between colorinformation of the two color regions of the image data that is obtainedby converting the video signal and color information of the two colorregions of the image data that is obtained by converting the adjustedvideo signal; and the superimposing device generates superimposing data,which is image data where at least one of luminance, hue, or saturationis changed in either one of the two color regions that satisfy followingconditions of A), B) from a result of discrimination by the colordiscriminator, and superimposes the superimposing data on the imagedata.

-   -   A) In the image data obtained by converting the video signal,        color information differs between the two color regions.    -   B) In the image data obtained by converting the adjusted video        signal, hues are same for the two color regions.

With this, it becomes easier to recognize when the periphery of thecolor regions of different colors turn the same color due to the gainadjustment.

Further, in the above-described structure, the followings arepreferable. That is, the digital camera further comprises: a colordiscriminator for discriminating a boundary between two color regionswhich are adjacent to each other in the image digital data on a plane,and for discriminating color information of the boundary; a storagedevice for storing color information of the image data obtained byconverting the adjusted video signal; and an superimposing device thatgenerates superimposing data, which is image data where the colorinformation of the boundary discriminated by the color discriminator isconverted to the color information that is not stored in the storage,and superimposes the superimposing data on the image data, wherein thecontroller controls the color discriminator and the superimposingdevice.

With this, the boundary between the color region with changed color andthe periphery thereof can be expressed by a recognizable color, so thatchange of color can be easily recognized.

Moreover, in the above-described structure, the followings arepreferable. That is, the digital camera further comprises: a colordiscriminator for discriminating a boundary between two color regionswhich are adjacent to each other in the image digital data on a plane; astorage device for storing an unexpressed color for showing a color thatcannot be obtained from the color information that is gain-adjustedaccording to the gain adjusting amount set in the setting device; and asuperimposing device that generates superimposing data, which is imagedata where the color information of the boundary discriminated by thecolor discriminator is converted to the unexpressed color that is storedin the storage, and superimposes the superimposing data on the imagedata, wherein the controller controls the color discriminator and thesuperimposing device.

With this, the boundary between the color region with changed color andthe periphery thereof can be expressed by a recognizable color, so thatchange of color can be easily recognized.

In the above-described structure, the followings are preferable. Thatis, the digital camera further comprises a timer for outputtinginterruption by every prescribed time, wherein the controller controlsthe superimposing device to switch superimposing and non-superimposingof the superimposing data for every interruption outputted from thetimer.

With this, when the neighboring color regions turn the same color due tothe gain adjustment, the color regions are flash-displayed by everyprescribed time. Thereby, it is possible to improve the visibility ofthe boundary.

In the above-described structure, the followings are preferable. Thatis, the storage device further stores unadjusted color that has no gainadjustment performed. The digital camera further comprises: a storedcolor comparator which compares color information of each of the colorregions in the image data obtained by converting the video signal withthe unadjusted color and, when consistent, outputs the image dataobtained by converting the video signal to the color regions, whileoutputting the image data obtained by converting the adjusted videosignal to the color regions when inconsistent.

With this, a specific color (wavelength) is outputted without gainadjustment in accordance with each characteristic of the color-visionhandicapped. As a result, in the case where the color information iscorrected in one's brain by the memorized color of the color-visionhandicapped, it is possible to know how it is corrected even though itis actually a different color.

It may be formed to adjust a value of image data itself instead ofsuperimposing the superimposing data on the image data.

As described above, the present invention enables individual gainadjustment performed on respective information of colors R, G, B. Thus,the color-vision nonhandicapped can understand how it looks to thecolor-vision handicapped of various degrees. Further, when there areunidentifiable color regions within the filming area being adjacent toeach other, it is possible for the color-vision handicapped to identifythe boundary between the color regions by flashing the color regions,etc. Moreover, the color-vision nonhandicapped can use it as a judgingmaterial for achieving barrier-free color visions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects of the present invention will become clear from thefollowing description of the preferred embodiments and the appendedclaims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are manyother advantages of the present invention possible by embodying thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration for describing the effects of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for showing action of the digital camera accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a gain adjusteraccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraas a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a gain adjustershown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a gain adjusterin a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing action of the digital camera accordingto the third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration for describing color vision of a color-visionnonhandicapped, color vision of a first color-vision handicapped, andcolor vision of a second color-vision handicapped according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing color visions of the color-visionnonhandicapped, the first color-vision handicapped, and the secondcolor-vision handicapped according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 12A-12C are illustrations for describing action of the digitalcamera according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A-14C are illustrations for describing action of the digitalcamera according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 15A-15C are illustrations for describing action of a digital cameraaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16A-16C are illustrations for describing the subject of a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram for showing the structure of an imageprocessor according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 19A-19B are illustrations for describing action of the digitalcamera according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21A-21B are illustrations for describing action of the digitalcamera according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 22A-22C are illustrations for describing action of a digital cameraaccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23A-23C are illustrations for describing action of a digital cameraaccording to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an illustration for describing action of the digital cameraaccording to the tenth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital cameraaccording to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 27A-27B are illustrations for describing action of the digitalcamera according to the eleventh embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter by referring to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for showing the structure of a digital camera1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1,reference numeral 2 is an image-taking device which converts light froma subject into video signal D1 that corresponds to R, G, B by a solidimage sensor element such as a CCD and a CMOS, and outputs the convertedvideo signal D1. Numeral reference 3 is a gain adjuster which performsgain adjustment individually on information of each color R, G, B of thevideo signal D1 outputted from the image-taking device 2, and outputsadjusted video signal D2 as a result thereof. 4 is an image dataconverter for converting the adjusted video signal D2, which isoutputted from the gain adjuster 3, into image data P1. 5 is an imageprocessor constituted of the gain adjuster 3 and the image dataconverter 4. 6 is a displaying device such as an organic EL display fordisplaying the image data P1 as display image Pout. 7 is a settingdevice for giving a command to start filming, end filming, set ON/OFF ofdisplay output, and to change gain adjustment values, etc. 8 is acontroller which controls the gain adjuster 3 to perform gain adjustmentindividually on respective color information of the video signal D1 bythe setting device 7, and controls the image-taking device 2, the imageprocessor 5, and the displaying device 6.

The digital camera 1 can adjust the gain individually for respectivecolor information of R, G, B of the video signal D1 outputted from theimage-taking device 2 by using the gain adjuster 3 of the imageprocessor 5.

FIG. 2 shows the effect of the case where respective gains of R, G, Bare individually set to be 0 in the embodiment.

When the setting device 7 is set so that the R-gain becomes 0, there isobtained the adjusted video signal D2, which is the video signal D1 witha level of R-data adjusted to be 0. The image data P1 obtained byfurther converting the adjusted video signal D2 is outputted to thedisplaying device 6. Pout is the display image displayed on thedisplaying device 6, in which red is converted to black.

Likewise, when the setting device 7 is set so that the G-gain becomes 0,there is obtained the adjusted video signal D2, which is the videosignal D1 with a level of G-data adjusted to be 0. The image data P1obtained by further converting the adjusted video signal D2 is outputtedto the displaying device 6. In the display image Pout, green isconverted to black.

Similarly, when the setting device 7 is set so that the B-gain becomes0, there is obtained the adjusted video signal D2, which is the videosignal D1 with a level of B-data adjusted to be 0. The image data P1obtained by further converting the adjusted video signal D2 is outputtedto the displaying device 6. In the display image Pout, blue is convertedto black.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for showing control action of the digital camera 1of FIG. 1. Filming is started when a switch in the setting device 7 ispressed down (step S301). The image-taking device 2 picks up light fromthe subject and output the video signal D1 (step S302). By convertingthe video signal D1 to the image data P1 using the image data converter4 and outputting it, the image data Pout is displayed in the displayingdevice 6 (steps S303-S305) When a user checks the display image Pout(step S306), and further pressing down the switch in the setting device7 (step S307), gain adjustment can be performed individually for eachcolor information of R, G, B. That is, by setting the gain adjustmentthrough the setting device 7, gain adjustment is performed in accordancewith the set color information, and it is possible to change the settingof gain adjustment until filming is ended (steps S308-S314).

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the gain adjuster 3 of the image processor5. The video signal D1 outputted by the image-taking device 2 isseparated into R-data R1, G-data G1, and B-data B1 by an RGB colordiscriminator 3J. The separated R-data R1 is gain-adjusted by an R-gainadjuster 3R and outputted as R-data R2. Likewise, the separated G-dataG1 is gain-adjusted by a G-gain adjuster 3G and outputted as G-data G2.The B-data B1 is gain-adjusted by a B-gain adjuster 3B and outputted asB-data B2. Further, the R-data R2, the G-data G2, and the B-data B2 arecoupled in a time series by the RGB color discriminator 3J, andoutputted to the image data converter 4 as the adjusted video signal D2.

The structure of the image processor 5 is not limited to the one shownin FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the RGB color discriminator 3J may beprovided to the image data converter 4. FIG. 6 shows the gain adjuster 3of FIG. 5. The gain adjuster 3 shown in FIG. 6 uniformly adjusts theR-gain adjusting value by the R-gain adjuster 3, the G-gain adjustingvalue by the G-gain adjuster 3G, and the B-gain adjusting value by theB-gain adjuster 3B, respectively, without considering which is theR-data, G-data, or B-data among the inputted video signal D1. Thecomplementary-color data can be expressed as Ye=R+G, Cy=B+G, Mg=R+B,G,for example. Thus, when separating a primary color from a complementarycolor, two pieces of data, i.e. R-data and G-data, can be generatedsimultaneously from a single piece of Ye data. Because of this, the gainadjuster of FIG. 6 outputs, in parallel, the data of each color (R-dataR2, G-data G2, B-data B2) to the image data converter 4 by each color.For the data of each color after the gain adjustment, effective part ofeach color is sampled by the RGB color discriminator 3J of the imagedata converter 4. The image data converter 4 converts the sampled andgain-adjusted adjusted video signal D2 and outputs the image data P1.

It is possible with the embodiment to adjust the gain of respectivecolor information of R, G, B individually. Therefore, the color-visionnonhandicapped can understand how it looks to the color-visionhandicapped of various degrees.

(Second Embodiment)

A second embodiment of the present invention has a different colorfilter for the image sensor element, which corresponds to the case wherethe image sensor element is provided with a color filter withcomplementary colors Cy (cyan: blue), Mg (magenta: reddish purple), Ye(yellow).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the gain adjuster3 compatible with the complementary colors. The gain adjuster 3 of FIG.7 converts and separates the data of complementary colors Ye, Cy, Mg, Goutputted from the image-taking device 2 into the R-data R1, G-data G1,B-data B1, which correspond to the video signal with R, G, B in the caseof the first embodiment, by using a complementary-color/primary-colorconverter 3C. The processing after separation is the same as that of thefirst embodiment where the image-taking device 2 comprises theprimary-color filter.

In the embodiment, even when the image-taking device 2 comprises thecomplementary-color filter, the data of complementary colors Ye, Cy, Mg,and G is converted to the R, G, B-based data by thecomplementary-color/primary-color converter 3C, and then respectivecolor information is gain-adjusted individually. Thus, the color-visionnonhandicapped can understand how it looks to the color-visionhandicapped of various degrees. That is, it is possible to deal easilywith the difference in the color filter of the image taking device.

(Third Embodiment)

A third embodiment of the present invention makes it possible for thecolor-vision nonhandicapped to understand how it looks to thecolor-vision handicapped in accordance with the degrees of impairment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the digitalcamera 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Theembodiment is provided with a storage device 9 for storing gainadjusting values for each color in accordance with the degrees ofcolor-vision impairment such as a first color-vision impairment, asecond color-vision impairment, and a third color-vision impairment. Thefirst color-vision impairment corresponds to the case where the red coneof an eyeball does not function, the second color-vision impairmentcorresponds to the case where the green cone of an eyeball does notfunction, and the third color-vision impairment corresponds to the casewhere the blue cone of an eyeball does not function.

The storage device 9 stores: a first color-vision gain adjusting valuethat achieves gain adjustment for providing the color information of thefirst color-vision impairment; a second color-vision gain adjustingvalue that achieves gain adjustment for providing the color informationof the second color-vision impairment; and a third color-vision gainadjusting value that achieves gain adjustment for providing the colorinformation of the third color-vision impairment. The controller 8searches the storage device 9 in accordance with the degrees of thecolor-vision impairment set by the setting device 7, and extracts thegain adjusting values for respective color information according to thedegrees of the color-vision impairment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing the action when controlling thedigital camera 1 of FIG. 8. After starting filming and displayprocessing (steps S901-S906), the gain adjusting value for thecolor-vision impairment selected by pressing down the switch of thesetting device 7 (step S907) is read out from the storage device 9.Based on the read-out gain adjusting value, there is performed the firstcolor-vision gain adjustment when the read-out value is of the firstcolor-vision impairment, the second color-vision gain adjustment when itis of the second color-vision impairment, and the third color-visiongain adjustment when it is of the third color-vision impairment (stepsS908-S914). With this structure, it is possible for the color-visionnonhandicapped to understand how it looks to the color-visionhandicapped of each color.

FIG. 10 shows color visions of the color-vision nonhandicapped, colorvisions of the first color-vision handicapped, and color visions of thesecond color-vision handicapped. FIG. 10 corresponds to each color fromshort wavelengths to long wavelengths. FIG. 11 shows how the light of R,G, B from the subject look to the color-vision nonhandicapped, the firstcolor-vision handicapped, and the second color-vision handicapped,respectively.

It can be seen that the color-vision handicapped of each color cannotproperly recognize colors of red and green because a part of the conedoes not function. In other words, for the first color-visionhandicapped, red turns reddish brown, and green turns dark orange. Forthe second color-vision handicapped, red turns dark orange, and greenturns brown. The color visions shown in FIG. 11 are only recognized byindividuals and cannot be shared with others.

With the digital camera 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A-FIG.12C, it is possible to perform gain adjustment in accordance with thecolor-vision impairment of each color. When the gain adjusting value ofthe color-vision nonhandicapped is set in the setting device 7, the gainadjusting value of the color-vision nonhandicapped is read out from thestorage device 9 to be transmitted to the gain adjuster 3 of the imageprocessor 5. As a result, there is obtained the display image Pout thatis not gain-adjusted. Further, when the gain adjusting value of thefirst color-vision impairment is set in the setting device 7, the gainadjusting value corresponding to the first color-vision impairment isread out from the storage device 9 to be transmitted to the gainadjuster 3 of the image processor 5. As a result, there is obtained thedisplay image Pout to which gain adjustment corresponding to the firstcolor-vision impairment is performed. Furthermore, when the gainadjusting value of the second color-vision impairment is set in thesetting device 7, the gain adjusting value corresponding to the secondcolor-vision impairment is read out from the storage device 9 to betransmitted to the gain adjuster 3 of the image processor 5. As aresult, there is obtained the display image Pout to which gainadjustment corresponding to the second color-vision impairment isperformed. With this, it is possible for the color-vision nonhandicappedto understand how it looks to the color-vision handicapped of eachcolor.

(Fourth Embodiment)

A fourth embodiment of the present invention enables easy recognition ofcolor boundaries. FIG. 13 is a block diagram for showing the structureof the digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. The digital camera 1 of the embodiment comprises acolor discriminator 10 for identifying the boundary between the colorregions that are adjacent to each other in an image area within theimage data P1. The color region herein means an area that partiallyoccupies image plane of the image data, which is characterized as havingalmost the same color information but the different color informationfrom that of the surrounding part. Furthermore, the digital camera 1comprises an superimposing device 11 that generates superimposing dataS1, which is obtained by changing the luminance of the boundary betweenthe color regions of the image data P1 using color boundary informationattained from the color discriminator 10, and superimposes the generatedsuperimposing data S1 on the image data P1. Image data P2 on which thesuperimposing data is superimposed is transmitted to the displayingdevice 6. Other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment(FIG. 1), so that the same reference numerals are simply applied and thedescription thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14A-FIG. 14C, there is performedprocessing for strengthening or weakening the luminance at the boundarybetween the color regions where the color changes, with respect to theluminance of the color regions positioned in the surrounding thereof.Thereby, a difference in the luminance is provided between the boundaryand the color regions in the surrounding thereof. Specifically, theboundary may be of a thick black line or of a thick white line. Withthis, it becomes easier for the color-vision handicapped and for thecolor-vision nonhandicapped to recognize the color boundaries in thedisplay of color-vision impairment.

(Fifth Embodiment)

A fifth embodiment of the present invention enables easy recognition ofcolor boundaries. The structure is the same as that of the fourthembodiment (see FIG. 13).

The superimposing device 11 generates the superimposing data, which isobtained by changing at least either hue or saturation of the boundaryin the image data P1 using the boundary information of the color regionsattained from the color discriminator 10, and superimposes the generatedsuperimposing data S1 on the image data P1.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A-FIG. 15C, the boundary betweenthe color regions is expressed by superimposing the color information ofthe nonadjacent color, which is recognizable, on the boundary positionedbetween the regions of colors that have different color information.With this, it becomes easier for the color-vision handicapped and forthe color-vision nonhandicapped to recognize the boundary between thecolor regions of color-vision impairment.

(Sixth Embodiment)

A sixth embodiment of the present invention performs boundaryhighlighting when the boundary between the color regions of thecolor-vision impairment becomes unclear as a result of gain adjustment.

FIG. 16A-FIG. 16C are for describing that the color-vision handicappedidentify as being the same colors even if the light from the subjectcontains information of different colors. In FIG. 16A-FIG. 16C, thecolor information of the light from the subject and the display imagePout of the digital camera 1 are made corresponded. For the colorinformation of the light from the subject, the color region in thecenter is green, the color region on the left is dark orange, and thecolor region on the right is blue in all of the drawings FIG. 16A-FIG.16C.

FIG. 16A is the case where a mode for the color-vision nonhandicapped isset in the setting device 7. In the display image Pout, the color regionin the center is green, the left is dark orange, and the right is blue,which is the same as the color information of the light from the subject

FIG. 16B is the case where a mode for the first color-vision impairmentis set in the setting device 7. The color region in the center (green)is gain-adjusted based on the setting. In the display image Pout, thecolor region in the center changes form green to dark orange, the colorregion on the left is dark orange, and the color region on the right isblue. It is understood from this that the first color-vision handicappedcannot identify the boundary between the color region of green and thatof dark orange in the color information from the subject.

FIG. 16C is the case where a mode for the second color-vision impairmentis set in the setting device 7. The color region in the center (green)is gain-adjusted based on the setting. In the display image Pout, thecolor region in the center changes form green to brown. The color regionon the left is dark orange, and the color region on the right is blue,which are the same as the original. Although the boundary between thecolor region of brown and that of dark orange is unclear, the boundarycan be better identified compared to the case shown in FIG. 16B.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the digitalcamera 1 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 shows the details ofthe image processor 5 shown in FIG. 17.

The image data converter 4 of the image processor 5 converts the videosignal D1 with no gain adjustment into image data P0 and converts theadjusted video signal D2 that is gain-adjusted by the gain adjuster 3into image data P1. The color discriminator 10 divides the image area ofthe image data P0 obtained by converting the video signal D1 into eachcolor region on a plane, and samples the color information of eachdivided color region. Furthermore, the color discriminator 10 dividesthe image area of the image data P1 obtained by converting the adjustedvideo signal D2 into each color region on a plane, and samples the colorinformation of each divided color region. Moreover, the colordiscriminator 10 discriminates the difference between color informationof the image data P0 and that of the image data P1 and transmits theresult of the discrimination to the superimposing device 11.

Based on the result of the discrimination supplied form the colordiscriminator 10, the superimposing device 11 generates thesuperimposing data S1 exclusively for the color region that satisfiesthe following condition and superimposes it on the image data that isobtained by converting the adjusted video signal.

-   -   In the image data P0, the color information of the color regions        adjacent to each other (referred to as adjacent color regions        hereinafter) is different.    -   In the image data P1, hues of the adjacent color regions are the        same.

As shown in FIG. 16B, even in the color region where the color-visionhandicapped identify as being the same colors although the colorinformation of the light from the subject contains information ofdifferent colors, it is possible to discriminate the color regions byusing the digital camera 1 of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows the effects of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19A, bysetting the mode corresponding to the first color-vision impairment inthe setting device 7, the color region (green) positioned in the centerof the light from the subject is gain-adjusted. As a result, it turnsthe same color as the color region (dark orange) adjacent to that colorregion. However, as shown in FIG. 19B, by setting a change of luminanceof the boundary between the same colors in the setting device 7, it ispossible to provide a difference of the luminance between both regionseven though the regions are in the same color. Thereby, the firstcolor-vision handicapped and the color-vision nonhandicapped cancorrectly discriminate the boundary of the color regions of the firstcolor-vision impairment.

(Seventh Embodiment)

A seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the boundary betweenthe different color regions becomes unclear as a result of the gainadjustment, easily recognizes that the color region whose color ischanged due to the gain adjustment has turned the same color as that ofthe surrounding color regions.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the digitalcamera 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.In the digital camera 1 of the embodiment, in addition to the structure(FIG. 17) of the sixth embodiment, the color discriminator 10 is furtherprovided with a color region judging device 12 which discriminates eachcolor region in the image data, and then judges, from the colorinformation, whether or not there is a pair of adjacent regions whichare adjacent and have the same color information with each other. Forthe pair of adjacent color regions of same color discriminated by thecolor region judging device 12, the superimposing device 11 generatesthe superimposing data S1, which is obtained by changing at lest one ofthe luminance, hue, saturation of the image data P1, and superimposesthe superimposing data S1 on the image data P1. The basis for judgingthe pair of adjacent color regions of same color is the same as that ofthe sixth embodiment, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show the effects of the embodiment. As shown inFIG. 21A, when the mode corresponding to the first color-visionimpairment is set in the setting device 7, the color region (green) inthe center of the light from the subject is gain-adjusted. As a result,it turns the same color as the adjacent color region (dark orange).Thus, as shown in FIG. 21B, one of the luminance, hue, saturation ischanged in either one of the same color regions by the setting device 7.Thereby, the above-described superimposing is performed on the pair ofthe color regions of same color. In FIG. 21, by way of example, theluminance is adjusted for changing the center region to black. Withthis, it is possible to prevent the pair of adjacent color regions ofdifferent colors from turning the same color due to the gain adjustment(see FIG. 21A).

(Eighth Embodiment)

An eighth embodiment of the present invention highlights the boundarybetween the color regions by non-stored colors (colors that are not inthe image data obtained by converting the adjusted video signal).

The digital camera 1 of the embodiment is the same as that of the sixthembodiment shown in FIG. 17 except that the storage device 9 further hasa function of storing the color information of the image data P1 that isobtained by converting the adjusted video signal D2. Furthermore, thesuperimposing device 11 generates the superimposing data S1 in which thenon-stored colors (colors not stored in the storage device 9) are used,and superimposes the generated superimposing data S1 on the image dataP1.

FIG. 22A-FIG. 22C show the effects of the embodiment. In all the casesof FIG. 22A-FIG. 22C, the color information of the light from thesubject has the green color region in the center, the red color regionon the left, and blue color region on the right.

FIG. 22A shows the state where the mode for the color-visionnonhandicapped as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. The display image Pout is thesame as the color information, which has the green color region in thecenter, the red color region on the left, and blue color region on theright. Furthermore, the boundary between each color region is colored inthe non-stored color that is not stored in the storage device 9.

FIG. 22B shows the state where the mode for the first color-visionimpairment as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. Due to the gain adjustmentbased on the mode, in the display image Pout, the color region in thecenter is changed from green to dark orange, the color region on theleft is changed from red to reddish brown, and color region on the rightstays blue. Furthermore, the boundaries between each color region arecolored in the non-stored color that is not stored in the storage device9.

FIG. 22C shows the state where the mode for the second color-visionimpairment as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. Due to the gain adjustmentaccording to the mode, in the display image Pout, the color region inthe center is changed from green to brown, the color region on the leftis changed from red to dark orange, and color region on the right staysblue. Furthermore, the boundary between each color region is colored inthe non-stored color that is not stored in the storage device 9.

On the boundaries between all the color regions including the colorregions whose colors change as described above, there is superimposedthe superimposing data S1 of non-stored color, i.e. the color that isnot in the image data P1 obtained by converting the adjusted videosignal D2. Thereby, the boundary between the color regions can beexpressed by a recognizable color, so that a change of color can beeasily recognized.

(Ninth Embodiment)

A ninth embodiment of the present invention highlights the boundarybetween the color regions by unexpressed colors (colors of image datathat cannot be obtained by converting the video signal based on the gainadjusting value in the storage device).

The digital camera 1 of the embodiment is the same as that of the sixthembodiment shown in FIG. 17 except that the storage device 9 further hasa function of storing the unexpressed color showing the color of theimage data P1 that cannot be obtained by converting the video signal D1based on the gain adjusting value in the storage device 9. Furthermore,the superimposing device 11 generates the superimposing data S1 in whichthe unexpressed color is used, and superimposes it on the image data P1.The unexpressed color is determined in advance and the gain adjustedvalue is determined based thereon such that the unexpressed color cannotbe obtained form the video signal D1.

FIG. 23A-FIG. 23C show the effects of the embodiment. In all the casesof FIG. 22A-FIG. 22C, the color information of the light from thesubject has the green color region in the center, the red color regionon the left, and blue color region on the right.

FIG. 22A shows the state where the mode for the color-visionnonhandicapped as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. The display image Pout is thesame as the color information, which has the green color region in thecenter, the red color region on the left, and blue color region on theright. Furthermore, the boundary between each color region is colored inthe unexpressed color (the color not included in the colors obtainedfrom the video signal D1), which is stored in the storage device 9.

FIG. 23B shows the state where the mode for the first color-visionimpairment as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. Due to the gain adjustment baseon the more, in the display image Pout, the color region in the centeris changed from green to dark orange, the color region on the left ischanged from red to reddish brown, and color region on the right staysblue. Furthermore, the boundary between each color region is colored inthe unexpressed color that is stored in the storage device 9.

FIG. 23C shows the state where the mode for the second color-visionimpairment as well as hue change in the boundary between the colorregions are set in the setting device 7. Due to the gain adjustmentaccording to the mode, in the display image Pout, the color region inthe center is changed from green to brown, the color region on the leftis changed from red to dark orange, and color region on the right staysblue. Furthermore, the boundary between each color region is colored inthe unexpressed color that is stored in the storage device 9.

On the boundaries between all the color regions including the colorregions whose colors change as described above, there is superimposedthe superimposing data S1 of unexpressed color for expressing theboundaries between the color regions. This allows the color-visionhandicapped as well as the color-vision nonhadicapped to recognize theboundaries between the color regions easily.

(Tenth Embodiment)

FIG. 24 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the digitalcamera 1 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.Reference numeral 12 is a timer that outputs interruption to thecontroller 8 by every prescribed time. The controller 8 controls thesuperimposing device 11 to alternately switches the states forsuperposing and not superimposing the superimposing data S1 on the imagedata for every interruption outputted from the timer 12.

FIG. 25 shows the effects of the embodiment. The color information ofthe light from the subject has the green color region in the center, thedark-orange color region on the left, and blue color region on theright. When setting the mode for the first color-vision impairment inthe setting device 7, the color region (green) in the center of thelight from the subject is changed to the adjacent color region (darkorange) as a result of gain adjustment. Thus, in addition, there areset, in the setting device 7, change of the luminance in either one ofthe color regions, which have tuned the same color, as well as flashingof the color regions of the same color. Thereby, the superimposingdevice 11 alternately switches the states for superimposing and notsuperimposing the superimposing data S1 on the image data in the colorregions that have turned the same color, for every interruptionoutputted from the timer 12. The superimposing device 11 alsoflash-displays the color regions that have turned the same color due tothe gain adjustment by every prescribed time. As a result, visibility ofthe boundary between the color regions can be improved. The embodiment(addition of the timer 12) can be applied to each of the above-describedembodiments.

(Eleventh Embodiment)

FIG. 26 is a block diagram for showing the structure of the digitalcamera 1 according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention. Thestorage device 9 stores color information of the image data P0 that isnot gain-adjusted. The image processor 5 comprises a stored-colorcomparator 13. The color information of the image data P0 obtained byconverting the video signal D1 and the color information of the imagedata P1 obtained by converting the adjusted video signal D2 is imputedto the stored-color comparator 13. The stored-color comparator 13compares the image data P0 and the color information with no gainadjustment stored in the storage device 9. When both of the data areconsistent, the stored-color comparator 13 outputs the image data P0 asimage data Pc and, when inconsistent, outputs the image data P1 as theimage data Pc. The image data Pc is transmitted to the displaying device6 and outputted as the display image Pout. For other structures, thestructures of any of the above-described embodiment can be employed.

FIG. 27 shows the effects of the embodiment. In both cases of FIG. 27Aand FIG. 27B, the color information of the light from the subject hasthe green color region in the center, the dark-orange color region onthe left, and blue color region on the right.

FIG. 27A shows the state where the mode corresponding to the firstcolor-vision impairment is set in the setting device 7. The color region(green) in the center is gain-adjusted according to the mode. In thedisplay image Pout, the color region in the center is changed from greento dark orange, the color region on the left stays dark orange, and thecolor region on the right stays blue. As a result, the color region inthe center changes from green to dark orange, which is the same color asthe color region (dark orange) on the left. This means that it is notpossible for the first color-vision impairment to discriminate theboundary between the color region (green) and the color region (darkorange) of the color information of the light from the subject.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 27B, change of the luminance in the same colorregions are set in the setting device 7 and, at the same time, green isset as the color to have no gain adjustment. That is, a specific color(wavelength) without gain adjustment is outputted in accordance witheach characteristic of the color-vision handicapped. As a result, in thecase where the color information is corrected in one's brain by thememorized color of the color-vision handicapped, it is possible to knowhow it is corrected even though it is actually a different color.

The embodiment (the structure of storing the unadjusted color) can beapplied not only to the embodiments (the eighth embodiment and the like)where color conversion of the entire specific color region iscontrolled, but also to the embodiments (fourth, fifth embodiments,etc.) where color conversion of the boundaries around the specific colorregion is controlled.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodimentsbut may be embodied as follows.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, expressions of Ye=R+G,Cy=B+G, Mg=R+B,G are applied for converting the colors from thecomplementary color to the primary color. However, it is not limited tothose. Prescribed coefficients a-f may be used for achieving conversionsuch as Ye=a*R+b*G, Cy=c*B+d*G, Mg=e*R+f*B,G.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the superimposing dataS1 is superimposed on the image data P1. However, the value of the imagedata P1 itself may be adjusted.

The present invention has been described in detail by referring to themost preferred embodiments. However, various combinations andmodifications of the components are possible without departing from thesprit and the broad scope of the appended claims.

1. A digital camera, comprising: an image-taking device for convertinglight from a subject to a video signal and outputting said video signal;a gain adjuster which performs gain adjustment individually forrespective color information of R, G, B of said video signal outputtedfrom said image-taking device, and outputs an adjusted video signal; animage data converter for converting said adjusted video signal outputtedfrom said gain adjuster into image data; a displaying device fordisplaying said image data; a setting device in which gain adjustingamounts for said respective color information are set; and a controllerfor controlling said gain adjuster such that gain adjustment isperformed individually on said respective color information according tosaid gain adjusting amounts set in said setting device.
 2. The digitalcamera according to claim 1, wherein: said video signal is a colorsignal of Cy, Mg, Ye, G; and said gain adjuster comprises acomplementary-color/primary-color converter for converting said colorsignal of Cy, Mg, Ye, G into a color signal of R, G, B, and performseach gain adjustment after converting to R, G, B.
 3. The digital cameraaccording to claim 1, further comprising a storage device for storinggain adjusting values for respective color information in accordancewith degrees of color-vision impairment, wherein: said setting devicehas said degrees of said color-vision impairment set therein instead ofsaid gain adjusting amounts; and said controller reads out, from saidstorage device, said gain adjusting value corresponding to said degreeof said color-vision impairment set in said setting device, andtransmits said gain adjusting value that is read out to said gainadjuster.
 4. The digital camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a color discriminator for discriminating a boundary betweentwo color regions which are adjacent to each other in said image data ona plane; and an superimposing device that generates superimposing data,which is image data where at least one of luminance, hue, or saturationis changed in said boundary discriminated by said color discriminator,and superimposes said superimposing data on said image data, whereinsaid controller controls said color discriminator and said superimposingdevice.
 5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein: said imagedata converter outputs both of image data obtained by converting saidvideo signal with no gain adjustment, and image data obtained byconverting said adjusted video signal with gain adjustment; said colordiscriminator further discriminates a difference between colorinformation of said two color regions of said image data that isobtained by converting said video signal and color information of saidtwo color regions of said image data that is obtained by converting saidadjusted video signal; and said superimposing device generates saidsuperimposing data exclusively for said boundary between said two colorregions that satisfy following conditions of A), B) from a result ofdiscrimination by said color discriminator, and superimposes saidsuperimposing data on said image data that is obtained by convertingsaid adjusted video signal. A) In said image data obtained by convertingsaid video signal, color information differs between said two colorregions. B) In said image data obtained by converting said adjustedvideo signal, hues are same for said two color regions.
 6. The digitalcamera according to claim 5, further comprising a timer for outputtinginterruption by every prescribed time, wherein said controller controlssaid superimposing device to switch superimposing and non-superimposingof said superimposing data for every said interruption outputted fromsaid timer.
 7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein saidstorage device further stores unadjusted color that has no gainadjustment performed, said digital camera further comprising: a storedcolor comparator which compares color information of each of said colorregions of said image data obtained by converting said video signal withsaid unadjusted color and, when consistent, outputs said image dataobtained by converting said video signal to said color regions, whileoutputting said image data obtained by converting said adjusted videosignal to said color regions when inconsistent.
 8. The digital cameraaccording to claim 1, wherein: said image data converter outputs both ofimage data obtained by converting said video signal with no gainadjustment, and image data obtained by converting said adjusted videosignal with gain adjustment; said color discriminator furtherdiscriminates a difference between color information of said two colorregions of said image data that is obtained by converting said videosignal and color information of said two color regions of said imagedata that is obtained by converting said adjusted video signal; and saidsuperimposing device generates superimposing data, which is image datawhere at least one of luminance, hue, or saturation is changed in eitherone of said two color regions that satisfy following conditions of A),B) from a result of discrimination by said color discriminator, andsuperimposes said superimposing data on said image data. A) In saidimage data obtained by converting said video signal, color informationdiffers between said two color regions. B) In said image data obtainedby converting said adjusted video signal, hues are same for said twocolor regions.
 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, furthercomprising a timer for outputting interruption by every prescribed time,wherein said controller controls said superimposing device to switchsuperimposing and non-superimposing of said superimposing data for everysaid interruption outputted from said timer.
 10. The digital cameraaccording to claim 8, wherein said storage device further storesunadjusted color that has no gain adjustment performed, said digitalcamera further comprising: a stored color comparator which comparescolor information of each of said color regions of said image dataobtained by converting said video signal with said unadjusted color and,when consistent, outputs said image data obtained by converting saidvideo signal to said color regions, while outputting said image dataobtained by converting said adjusted video signal to said color regionswhen inconsistent.
 11. The digital camera according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a color discriminator for discriminating a boundary betweentwo color regions which are adjacent to each other in said image digitaldata on a plane, and for discriminating color information of saidboundary; a storage device for storing color information of said imagedata obtained by converting said adjusted video signal; and asuperimposing device that generates superimposing data, which is imagedata where said color information of said boundary discriminated by saidcolor discriminator is converted to said color information that is notstored in said storage device, and superimposes said superimposing dataon said image data, wherein said controller controls said colordiscriminator and said superimposing device.
 12. The digital cameraaccording to claim 11, further comprising a timer for outputtinginterruption by every prescribed time, wherein said controller controlssaid superimposing device to switch superimposing and non-superimposingof said superimposing data for every said interruption outputted fromsaid timer.
 13. The digital camera according to claim 11, wherein saidstorage device further stores unadjusted color that has no gainadjustment performed, said digital camera further comprising: a storedcolor comparator which compares color information of each of said colorregions of said image data obtained by converting said video signal withsaid unadjusted color and, when consistent, outputs said image dataobtained by converting said video signal to said color regions, whileoutputting said image data obtained by converting said adjusted videosignal to said color regions when inconsistent.
 14. The digital cameraaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a color discriminator fordiscriminating a boundary between two color regions which are adjacentto each other in said image data on a plane; a storage device forstoring an unexpressed color for showing a color that cannot be obtainedfrom said color information that is gain-adjusted according to said gainadjusting amount set in said setting device; and a superimposing devicethat generates superimposing data, which is image data where said colorinformation of said boundary discriminated by said color discriminatoris converted to said unexpressed color that is stored in said storagedevice, and superimposes said superimposing data on said image data,wherein said controller controls said color discriminator and saidsuperimposing device.
 15. The digital camera according to claim 14,further comprising a timer for outputting interruption by everyprescribed time, wherein said controller controls said superimposingdevice to switch superimposing and non-superimposing of saidsuperimposing data for every said interruption outputted from saidtimer.
 16. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein saidstorage device further stores unadjusted color that has no gainadjustment performed, said digital camera further comprising: a storedcolor comparator which compares color information of each of said colorregions in said image data obtained by converting said video signal withsaid unadjusted color and, when consistent, outputs said image dataobtained by converting said video signal to said color regions, whileoutputting said image data obtained by converting said adjusted videosignal to said color regions when inconsistent.
 17. The digital cameraaccording to claim 1, wherein said gain adjuster adjusts a value ofimage data itself instead of superimposing superimposing data on saidimage data.